They said the reason was a number of operations which led to the confiscation of the eggs, flour and thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks.

One, in which police went undercover by driving taxis in plain clothes, led to 17 arrests.

In another operation - code-named Good Guy - #10,000 of fireworks were seized from houses in Knowsley. A "substantial" number of bangers and rockets were also seized from a property in Anfield.

Extra police were put on the streets on key nights - and ordered to take a hard line on youth nuisance. Some patrolled on foot with hand held cameras recording evidence.

Superintendent Alan Cooper, of Liverpool North division, said: "At this time of year the control room usually sees 20% more calls.

"Most are due to youth disorder - young people setting off fireworks, throwing stones, eggs and flour at passing vehicles and generally making the lives of some residents a misery.

"We must take firm action against the few that make the lives of local residents a living nightmare. Irresponsible behaviour can lead to members of the public, particularly the elderly, feeling intimidated.

"We have successfully reduced the reported number of incidents by 14 per cent, compared to last year."